Liverpool started their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
A first-half own goal from Nicolás Tagliafico was enough to separate both sides on the night.
Liverpool fans would have been understandably worried about their centre back options pre-kick off, with natural midfielder Fabinho partnering Joe Gomez.
But the Brazilian was excellent and – while he clearly wasn’t Virgil van Dijk – used all of his defensive nous to nullify Ajax with several impressive moments.
Fabinho completed 6 tackles, 5 interceptions and 5 clearances, with his acrobatic goal-line clearance from Dušan Tadić proving the icing on the cake.
Van Dijk is a critical loss for this backline after his transformative two seasons at Anfield, but knowing Fabinho can deputise will help them sleep easier.
